An efficient procedure for scheduling packets in a multibeam satellite-switched TDMA system

A satellite-switched, multi-beam system using N sub T transponders is considered, in which a large number of ground stations are distributed over N sub Z (not less than N sub T) zones. Each station transmits information digitally in a packet-switched time division multiple access mode, with all packets of fixed length. A demand-assigned packet scheduling procedure is described which achieves high throughput with relatively low average time delay, adapts easily to fluctuating demand from individual earth stations, and automatically schedules transmissions to avoid adjacent zone interference.